Alan "Toa" Sciascia's '96 VN1500 C2

"Toa" writes : - "I'm Alan Sciascia, known in VROC as TOA. I live in the beautiful harbour city of Wellington. I love riding whenever I can, especially around the roads of the Wairarapa which appear to have been designed with motorcycling in mind.

I returned to bikes relatively recently. My first was a Honda CB350 back in '73 and that was given to me by my best mate, Clive. Only thing it cost me was the need to keep up the payments for another 18 months <grin> but it sparked a keeness in me that has never left. I did leave biking for a few years when marriage and family took hold and along with that comes the inevitable responsibilities and redirection of funds. It wasn't until about '95 that I got my next bike, a Yamaha XJ750, an ex police bike. I had a lot of fun with that one too but it was very tired having obviously been used for chasing many villians in prior years. Although it ran well I think a combination of bike design and my own aging frame resulted in by shoulders aching after only a short session. It was though a good transition into bigger bikes.

I now ride a Kawasaki Vulcan. For you uninitiated, it's a V-Twin cruiser and in the mould of many of similar styles such as Harley's, Honda Shadow's, Yamaha Stars, Suzuki Intruders etc. It suits my style, a heavy cruiser, plenty of low down power, good for two up riding and above all else, comfortable without being in the armchair category of the likes of Goldwings.

I joined VROC, an internet based group of Vulcan owners and riders. Mainly made up of Stateside folk it also includes many from Canada, Australia, England, Holland, Germany, Russia, Israel, New Zealand (of course) and many others. When I joined back in October '98 I got #1614 but now they are approaching 3,000. Just like in real life there are all sorts in there but it is the best source of technical advice that I have ever found on any topic, bar none. Check it out, it's entertaining if nothing else.

To visit VROC, CLICK HERE

Most in VROC have assumed a nickname of some sort. I chose Toa which comes from the Maori language and refers to Warrior. While I'm not one to readily go into battle I will actively support anyone that appears to be copping a hit unfairly.

I'm also a member of Ulysses, a great group of bike riders from all walks of life. We have no barriers to our club, only that you must be over 40 to join and you're not a full member until 50. Until then, you help the full members on and off their bikes. Ulysses was originally Australian but New Zealand started as a branch of the Ozzie mob in 1983 before becoming a full club in it's own right once membership got beyond 400. It's an excellent group to belong to, very casual and always plenty of rides to go on and plenty of friends to ride with".

Not only does Alan own a great bike, but what a fantastic country New Zealand is, great views, and landscape. To visit Alan's Home Page, CLICK HERE